Apple's $269 wireless headphones on sale after months of delay

Apple's wireless headphones have finally gone on sale, just in time for Christmas.

AirPods are now available through its website, with delivery expected in New Zealand next week.

They will also be available from Apple authorised resellers and some carriers from next week.

The NZ$269 AirPods, which contain a special communications chip, are a crucial selling point for Apple's flagship device, the iPhone 7, which lacks a 3.5 millimetre headphone jack.

They were meant to go on sale in October but were delayed after Apple said it needed more time but didn't explain why. The AirPods delay is the first hardware-related postponement in more than five years from the company.

It will be hoping the delay hasn't cost it too much. CEO Tim Cook has promised investors that the company is returning to growth after reporting three straight quarters of lower year-over-year sales.